While the Type 26, USS Zumwalt and USS San Antonio are demonstrating advanced stealth technologies dedicated to reducing their cross-sections to radar, Virginia-class subs are utilising a piece of kit that can do the same for sonar.

The Virginia’s ultra-low acoustic signature comes courtesy of a special anechoic coating. The coating, which consists of a series of sound-absorbent, rubberised panels that sit on top of the hull work by dampening electromagnetic waves, reducing the number that bounce back and sapping their overall energy.

Adding to the Virginia’s stealth ability is its revolutionary pump-jet propulsion, which works by drawing water into a turbine- powered pump via an intake then pushing it out at the rear, dramatically muffling noise.